Former ADL National Director Abraham Foxman Dies at 86
Abraham Foxman, the former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and a Holocaust survivor, has died at age 86. Leading the ADL from 1987 to 2015, Foxman was a prominent figure in combating antisemitism and expanding the organization’s mission to address white supremacy, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ+ issues. While celebrated by Israeli officials and Jewish communities for his advocacy, he remained a controversial figure among Palestinian rights advocates due to his staunch support for Israel. His passing marks the end of a significant era in American civil rights leadership.
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Abe Foxman, Longtime ADL Director and Holocaust Survivor, Dies at 86
Abraham H. Foxman, the former national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has died at the age of 86. Serving as the organization's leader for nearly three decades until his retirement in 2015, Foxman was a prominent advocate against antisemitism and hate. A Holocaust survivor who was hidden by a Catholic nanny during World War II, he dedicated his 50-year career to the ADL, advising global leaders including presidents and popes. Under his leadership, the ADL expanded its mission beyond Jewish issues to combat white supremacy, support immigrant and gay rights, and promote diversity training. While sometimes criticized for being overly sensitive to perceived slights or too quick to forgive those who apologized, Foxman maintained that accepting repentance was crucial to preventing bigotry. He famously stated, 'If you don’t let them change, then you become the bigot.' Current ADL director Jonathan Greenblatt praised Foxman’s moral authority and relentless dedication to creating a world without hate. Foxman also expressed concern in later years about the internet facilitating the rapid, anonymous spread of extremist ideologies.
Fortune | FORTUNEAbe Foxman, Former ADL National Director, Dies at 86
Abraham H. Foxman, the longtime national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has died at the age of 86. The ADL announced his passing with a statement mourning the loss of their leader, though specific details regarding the time and location of his death were not provided. Foxman served as the ADL's national director for nearly three decades, from 1987 until his retirement in 2015, dedicating his 50-year career to combating antisemitism and hate. Born in Belarus to Polish Jews, he survived the Holocaust by being hidden and baptized as a Catholic before reuniting with his family in New York. As a prominent advocate, Foxman advised world leaders and engaged with celebrities and diplomats, often accepting apologies on behalf of the Jewish community to foster alliances. While he faced criticism for both overreacting to slights and being too forgiving, he maintained that allowing people to change was essential. Under his leadership, the ADL expanded its focus to include fighting white supremacy, advocating for immigrant and gay rights, and implementing diversity training, solidifying his legacy as a moral authority against hatred globally.
Home - CBSNews.comAbe Foxman, Former ADL Director and Holocaust Survivor, Dies at 86
Abraham "Abe" Foxman, the former national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and a Holocaust survivor, has died at the age of 86. Foxman led the Jewish advocacy organization from 1987 to 2015, dedicating his 50-year career to combating antisemitism and promoting marginalized voices. Born in Belarus in 1940, he was saved during the Holocaust by a Polish Catholic nanny after losing 14 family members. He later reunited with his parents and immigrated to the United States. Under his leadership, the ADL expanded its mission beyond Jewish issues to address white supremacy, immigrant rights, and gay rights. Despite a serious health scare in 2000 requiring emergency heart surgery, Foxman remained active until his retirement. Current ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt mourned him as an iconic leader and moral voice who believed hate could be defeated through opposition. Foxman is survived by his wife, Golda Bauman, their two children, and several grandchildren. His legacy includes establishing the ADL as a primary institution against hate and extremism in America.
New York PostProminent US Jewish Leader and Israel Advocate Abe Foxman Dies at 86
Abraham 'Abe' Foxman, a prominent Jewish American leader and former national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has died at the age of 86. Leading the ADL for 28 years from 1987 to 2015, Foxman was a Holocaust survivor who significantly influenced discussions on anti-Semitism and Israel in the United States. The ADL confirmed his death, describing him as a passionate advocate for Jewish people and Israel. While praised by Israeli officials and ADL leadership for his warmth and dedication, Foxman remained a controversial figure among Palestinian rights advocates, who accused the ADL of conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. In his final years, Foxman staunchly defended Israel's conduct during the war in Gaza, rejecting genocide allegations, and supported US military actions against Iran under President Donald Trump. He also warned against rising anti-Semitism across the US political spectrum. His legacy includes shaping modern liberal America and advising multiple US presidents, though his later statements regarding Gaza and Iran drew significant scrutiny from critics of Israeli policies.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraFormer ADL National Director Abraham Foxman Dies at 86
Abraham Foxman, the former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has passed away at the age of 86. His death marks the end of a significant era in Jewish advocacy and civil rights leadership in the United States. Foxman was widely recognized for his decades-long commitment to fighting antisemitism and promoting tolerance. In response to the news, Israel's Consul General in New York City, Ofir Akunis, issued a heartfelt eulogy via social media platform X/Twitter. Akunis described Foxman as a "good friend, beloved Jew, proud Zionist, and a warm and kind-hearted person," highlighting the deep personal and professional respect he commanded within the Jewish community and among Israeli officials. Foxman's legacy includes transforming the ADL into a prominent voice against hate crimes and discrimination globally. His passing draws attention to his extensive career dedicated to education, legislation, and public awareness campaigns aimed at combating prejudice. The announcement serves as a moment of reflection on his contributions to interfaith dialogue and human rights advocacy, resonating with communities across North America and Israel who valued his steadfast leadership and moral clarity throughout his life.
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